Édouard Mendy Then and Now
By Cornell Scott / August 27, 2025
Édouard Mendy stands as one of the most respected goalkeepers in world football—a symbol of perseverance, elite shot-stopping, and quiet leadership.
Once overlooked and underappreciated, Mendy has risen from the fringes of professional football to become a Champions League winner, Premier League champion, and the number one for Senegal on the global stage. His journey is not just one of talent, but of resilience, timing, and unwavering belief in his own potential.
Then: The Long Road to Recognition (1992–2020)
1. Humble Beginnings in France
Born on March 1, 1992, in Montivilliers, France, to Senegalese parents, Édouard Mendy dreamed of playing football from a young age. However, his path was far from conventional. Unlike many top goalkeepers who join elite academies early, Mendy was released by Le Havre’s youth academy at 16—a devastating blow that nearly ended his career before it began.
Undeterred, he joined Cherbourg, a semi-professional club in the French lower divisions. For years, he bounced between third and fourth-tier French clubs, including:
- CO Saint-Dizier
- AS Cherbourg
- OFC Les Mureaux
- Stade de Reims (B team)
Even at Reims, where he eventually broke into the first team in 2015, he was often a backup or rotational player.
2. Breakthrough at Reims and Rennes
Mendy’s big break came in 2016 when he joined Stade de Reims, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1 in 2018. His performances—marked by command of the box, reflex saves, and calmness under pressure—earned him a move to Stade Rennais in 2019.
At Rennes, he became a starter and showcased his ability in both Ligue 1 and the UEFA Europa League, where he made crucial saves against top European sides. Scouts from elite clubs began to take notice.
Related: N’Golo Kanté Then and Now
The Rise: Chelsea’s Game-Changing Signing (2020–2022)
1. A €22 Million Gamble by Chelsea
In September 2020, at the age of 28, Chelsea FC made a bold move: they signed Édouard Mendy for €22 million, replacing Kepa Arrizabalaga as their first-choice goalkeeper.
It was a rare case of a goalkeeper being brought in not as a long-term project, but as an immediate solution. And Mendy delivered instantly.
2. Instant Impact and Champions League Glory
In his debut season (2020–21), Mendy transformed Chelsea’s defense:
- Kept 16 clean sheets in 37 Premier League appearances
- Played a vital role in a defense that became the toughest to break down in England
- Was instrumental in Chelsea’s run to the UEFA Champions League final
In the 2021 Champions League final against Manchester City, Mendy made crucial saves, including a stunning stop from Riyad Mahrez in the second half. Chelsea won 1–0, and Mendy became a European champion in his first season with the club.
He was named:
- UEFA Champions League Goalkeeper of the Season (2020–21)
- Premier League Golden Glove winner (2020–21) – shared with Alisson and Ramsdale
- FIFA FIFPRO World 11 nominee
His rise was meteoric—proving that age and origin do not define potential.
Related: Casemiro Then and Now
Now: The 2025 Update – From Chelsea to Saudi Arabia and Beyond
1. Transition to Al-Ahli Saudi FC (2023–2025)
In August 2023, after three strong seasons at Chelsea, Mendy made a high-profile move to Al-Ahli Saudi FC in the Saudi Pro League, joining a wave of international stars lured by the country’s growing football ambitions.
At 2.5 years into his Saudi stint (as of 2025), Mendy has become a leader and mentor at Al-Ahli:
- Key figure in their domestic campaign
- Helped stabilize a historically underperforming defense
- Mentoring younger goalkeepers and raising standards
While the Saudi Pro League is less intense than the Premier League, Mendy remains one of the most technically sound and disciplined goalkeepers in the competition.
2. Continued Role with Senegal
As of 2025, Mendy remains the undisputed number one for the Senegal national team. He played a crucial role in:
- Winning the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) – Senegal’s first-ever title
- Qualifying for the 2025 AFCON (upcoming tournament)
- 2022 FIFA World Cup – where Senegal reached the Round of 16
- 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers – still a key figure at age 33
His leadership, experience, and presence in goal continue to be vital for Senegal’s ambitions on the continental and global stage.
3. Legacy and Evolution as a Goalkeeper
By 2025, Mendy is no longer seen as a surprise success story—he’s recognized as a world-class goalkeeper who redefined late blooming. His strengths include:
- Elite one-on-one shot-stopping
- Command of the penalty area
- Calmness under pressure
- Strong aerial presence
- Excellent footwork and distribution
Though not as flashy as some modern keepers, Mendy’s consistency, positioning, and professionalism have made him a model for aspiring goalkeepers worldwide.
Related: Thiago Silva Then and Now
Personal Life and Character
Known for his quiet, humble demeanor, Mendy is a family man who rarely seeks the spotlight. He is married and has children, and he balances his professional life with strong faith and personal discipline.
Off the pitch, he is:
- Deeply proud of his Senegalese heritage
- A role model for young African goalkeepers
- Actively involved in charity work in Senegal, including youth football development
In interviews, he often credits his success to hard work, patience, and belief—qualities he lacked early in his career but cultivated over years of struggle.
Cultural Impact and Legacy
Édouard Mendy’s story is one of the most inspiring in modern football:
- He was released as a teenager
- Played in semi-pro leagues
- Was still a backup at 27
- Became a Champions League winner at 29
His journey has:
- Inspired thousands of overlooked players across Africa and Europe
- Challenged the myth that goalkeeping talent must be identified early
- Elevated the status of African goalkeepers on the world stage
He is part of a new generation of African stars—including Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mané, and Victor Osimhen—who have not only succeeded but led their nations with pride.
Related: Kalidou Koulibaly Then and Now
Conclusion: Édouard Mendy – Then and Now (2025)
- Then: A 16-year-old cut from Le Havre, playing in France’s lower leagues, wondering if his dream was over.
- Now: A Champions League winner, AFCON champion, Premier League titleholder, and global ambassador for perseverance—still performing at a high level in Saudi Arabia and for Senegal in 2025.
Édouard Mendy’s career is proof that success isn’t always fast—but it’s sweeter when it’s earned. He didn’t just climb the football ladder; he built it, step by step, save by save.
As he continues to play, mentor, and inspire, one thing is clear:
Édouard Mendy isn’t just a goalkeeper.
He’s a testament to never giving up.
🧤 “They told me I was too late. I told them I was just getting started.” – Édouard Mendy
Related: Raphaël Varane Then and Now